I failed to mention that the Wild Iris climbing area is at almost 9000 feet. I closed the last post with a picture of our view when we crawled out of the Jeep. This was the view a couple of hours later as we were heading to the crag. When I say that the clouds moved in on us, I literally mean it. We left camp with little to no view.

By the time we made it to the area that we were going to climb for the morning, the clouds had passed. We had the area to ourselves…for about an hour. People started to show up in droves. We had some great conversations with people from England, Chile, South Africa, and Boulder Colorado. We had a great time climbing, I will get to that shortly, but we spent some time with some very nice people.

My favorite people that we met were a couple from South Africa. They lived in Raleigh for a few years back in the early 2000s and climbed in several of the same places that we have over the years. We talked about climbing and exchanged “Dirtbag” strategies. They had two days remaining on their three-week trip before heading back to South Africa. They shared how crowded it was in the Tetons on the 4th of July. We laughed when they said, “That day isn’t on our calendar.” As we passed their camp that evening, they tried to give us the rest of their gas for their stove. They were such a nice couple. We also met some not-so-nice girls from Denver, Colorado, and somewhere in California. I’m glad that they were anomalies and not the norm.

We were able to climb eight routes today…five before lunch and three later in the afternoon. The weather was great. We had sun and cool temps. I wish we could bottle some of this up to take with us to southern Utah in a couple of weeks. It’s going to be hot down there. Here are a few pictures:

We made it back to camp as the temp started to drop. We cooked pinto beans and chicken. I also heated up something that I haven’t had in years: Spaghetti-O’s with meatballs. After I eat the second can that I bought, it will probably be years before I eat it again. This was my view as I talked with Chris on her way to church. Our camp is in the lower right corner.

I haven’t talked much about our sleeping setup. To be honest, it is slightly more than a glorified double coffin. I took the time to make my side into what I call an “Old Folks” bed with a near-zero gravity position. Because of shoulder issues, this is the position that I sleep in at home. We have a 3″ memory foam mattress with closed cell foam underneath to protect knees, elbows, and hips from the plywood. I hope Maddie doesn’t video me climbing in and out of our sleeping quarters. Let’s just say “The struggle is real.” Here is a picture from the front seats of the Jeep looking back at me typing this blog.

I know a few of you have been worried as to how my body would hold up. We haven’t climbed hard yet, so the shoulders are pretty good. The shape of my bed keeps me off of them…mostly. We aren’t really carrying heavy loads over long distances yet, so the knees are pretty good as well. My right knee is feeling a little funny when I bend it all the way to get in bed, but otherwise, no complaints. As well thought out as the sleeping setup is, my mixture of foams doesn’t hold a candle to my mattress at home. This has produced a knot in my back. It isn’t keeping me from doing things; it is just uncomfortable. I have used my TENS unit a few times to try to help out with the pain. Next week will begin the real test.

The sun is out, and it looks like we will have nice weather again today. I think a Pop-Tart is on the menu for me this morning. Thanks for the prayers! I hope that you are enjoying the blog.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

I’m not sure who you will cross paths with this week, but I encourage you to be pleasant and smile. You may never know how big of an impression you make on others with your countenance. If you are a Christ-follower, live in a manner that those around you see Christ living in and through you for His glory. Many people want nothing to do with Christ because of the way His church acts.

Because He Calls, Old Climbing Dad